Salem Students Attend Greater Winston-Salem Legislative Breakfast

On February 13, Salem Academy student Grace McPhail and Salem College student Andrea Cortes Espitia attended the Legislative Breakfast hosted by Forsyth Tech and Greater Winston-Salem Inc. North Carolina House Representative Donny Lambeth (75th District) delivered the keynote address, sharing legislative priorities for 2026 and highlighting some of the challenges currently facing the House and the Senate. 

The Legislative Breakfast also included time for networking with elected officials and prominent members of the Winston-Salem community. Events like this one provide an invaluable opportunity for Salem students to learn about the workings of local government and build relationships with individuals from Winston-Salem and the surrounding area. 

Andrea reflected on her experience attending the event: “As a political science and first-generation student attending the Legislative Breakfast, you study and work hard to theorize the best way for communities to engage politically. But seeing different public sectors come together to understand North Carolina’s current situation is what I study and work toward. In hindsight, it makes me proud to be one of the Hispanic women entering these spaces, and I hope to open the door for others. While the majority acknowledged that North Carolina needs more work in healthcare and education, we are opening the conversation, and this is what makes communities like Forsyth County stronger through communal effort. I’m thankful for Dean Borrero, Interim President Daynes, Dr. Joyner, and Assistant Vice President Deem for giving me the opportunity to thrive at Salem College. The work towards a better North Carolina has only begun.” 

Salem Academy and College remain committed to preparing students to be engaged citizens. Opportunities like the Legislative Breakfast reflect that mission in action, connecting students directly with the individuals and conversations shaping their community and their future.